The Canterbury Tales Forum

In GradeSaver's plot summary for the Merchant's Tale (a tale within the Canterbury
Tales collection by Chaucer), it is written that Placebo advises against
January's marriage.  However, isn't it actually Justinus that advices him to
not marry?

I thought Placebo actually assures January that his decision to marry must
be wise because January is wise.  Therefore, he is actually FOR the
marriage.  This mix up is a great mistake as it does not show the symbolism
in both Placebo and Justinus' names.

Can anyone confirm this for me?

Hi Hannah - you're quite right - Placebo just agrees with and flatters Januarie whereas Justinus advises him against marriage.  The name Placebo means to please whereas Justinus is the voice of truth.  It does seem a blindingly bad mistake to make so I would suggest pointing it out to Gradesaver.

Hope this helps.

Angie